From the Editor

Charles E. Lawless, Jr.

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Capturing Jesus’ Heart for the City: A Personal Reflection

Kevin S. Hall

Though not born or raised in the city, Kevin Hall has grown to love the city. Experiences, people, and his own study have cultivated in him a heart for the city and ministry within that context. He offers here five observations about the city and urban ministry.

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G.O.I.N.G. U.R.B.A.N. for the 21st Century Missionary

J. D. Payne

One day, the twenty-first century might well be remembered as the urban century. Over half the world’s population, for the first time, lives in the urban settings of the world. Employing the acrostic G.O.I.N.G. U.R.B.A.N., J. D. Payne identifies significant components of urban ministry in today’s urban world.

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The Changing Context of Recife, Brazil

Brent and Jennifer Waldrep

Reflecting on six years serving as missionaries in Recife, Brazil Brent and Jennifer Waldrep survey Recife’s historical context, the history of Baptists in Recife, and present worldviews found there. Concluding with a discussion of two key challenges to Baptist growth in Recife, the authors hope for effective, contextualized ministry that will result in a bright future for Christian ministry in the city.

South America is the regional focus of study and prayer for the December 2008 Southern Baptist International Mission Board annual Christmas offering for international missions.

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“From the Trenches:” Charlotte

Kathy Izard

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City Outlook

We live in a rapidly changing world.  In each edition of “City Outlook,” we will consider current data demonstrating the shifts that impact urban ministry today.

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City View: Philadelphia

Ministry takes place in context, and every city has its own personality, opportunities, and challenges.  Each issue of the Journal of Urban Ministry will feature a snapshot view of an urban center.

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Book Reviews

Silvoso, Ed, That None Should Perish: How to Reach Entire Cities for Christ through Prayer Evangelism, Reviewed by Mike Tatem

Craig L. Blomberg, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Reviewed by Kevin S. Hall

Ministry Opportunities

The Urban Atlanta Impact Team (UAIT) in Atlanta, Georgia is seeking an Urban Strategist.

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In The Next Issue

• Focus on New York City by Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church and Aaron Coe, Gallery Church
• Southern Baptists in the City: The Strategic Focus Initiative by Jeff Walters, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Book & Resource Reviews: Making you aware of resources for your ministry in the city
• City View/City Outlook: Numbers and information for a better understanding of global urban centers
• News and opinion from the Dehoney Center for Urban Ministry Training